Disney Springs isn’t just for dinner: 8 things most guests overlook
Disney Springs is often treated as the place to grab dinner, do a little shopping, and head back to the hotel. But Walt Disney World’s dining, shopping, and entertainment district offers far more than a nighttime reservation or quick retail stop.
I was inspired to revisit the topic after reading a recent Disney Parks Blog feature highlighting mornings at Disney Springs and some of the experiences guests can enjoy earlier in the day. It’s a reminder that many visitors only scratch the surface of what’s available beyond the usual dinner plans.
If you’ve ever wondered whether Disney Springs is worth more than an evening visit, here are eight things many guests overlook.
Overlooked things to do at Disney Springs
1. Arriving early for a completely different atmosphere
Disney Springs feels noticeably different in the morning. Pathways are quieter, temperatures are cooler, and popular areas are easier to explore before the evening rush begins.
If you’re looking for something to do on your arrival day before your hotel room or accommodations are ready, Disney Springs in the morning or afternoon is a great way to get some Disney feels without a theme park ticket.
For a quick bite and sip, Everglazed Donuts & Cold Brew serves specialty donuts, Earl of Sandwich offers breakfast sandwiches with egg, cheddar, bacon, sausage, or ham, and Marketplace Snacks features a hot honey chicken waffle. On the weekends, head to Chef Art Smith’s Homecomin’ for Southern favorites like fluffy French toast, fried chicken biscuits, and classic chicken and waffles, or visit Summer House on the Lake for jalapeño cornbread, whipped burrata, and its giant cinnamon roll.
For guests or locals who usually visit after sunset, an early arrival can feel like discovering a new destination.
2. Exploring the Art Walk
Hidden in plain sight, on the perimeter of the Town Center area, the Disney Springs Art Walk features rotating murals and large-scale artwork from talented artists. Many guests pass by without realizing it’s there because it faces the Disney bus terminals.
Grab a coffee or cold drink and stroll! It’s one of my favorite spots to point out to family when they’re visiting from out of town, and one of the best free photo spots at Disney Springs, too!
Courtesy of Walt Disney World Resort
3. Taking flight on the Aerophile balloon
The iconic tethered balloon is one of the most recognizable sights at Disney Springs, but many visitors never make time to ride it.
On clear days, Aerophile rises to 400 feet above Disney Springs, offering sweeping views of Walt Disney World property and a perspective few guests ever experience. The flight itself lasts about six to eight minutes and can provide views stretching for miles depending on conditions.
Current posted pricing is $29.99 plus tax for adults ages 10 and older and $24.99 plus tax for children ages 3 to 9.
Photo provided by Walt Disney World Resort
Operating hours are open daily from 9:30 a.m. to 11:00 p.m., though hours can change seasonally, so guests should check Disney Springs or the attraction directly before visiting. My family experienced Aerophile first thing in the morning, and it is a core memory for us all.
Because it is weather-dependent, the balloon will not operate during storms, lightning, or high winds. If seeing Disney Springs from above is on your must-do list, it’s smart to visit earlier in your trip in case weather delays affect later plans.
Alternatively, the Coca-Cola store is three stories tall with a rooftop beverage spot offering specialty soft drinks and awesome views of Disney Springs.
4. PhotoPass Studio session
Most people associate Disney PhotoPass with the parks, but Disney Springs has its own PhotoPass Studio. Guests can pose with themed backdrops and seasonal setups without needing park admission.
If your ticket includes Memory Maker, this is a must-do because there is no additional cost. While nothing beats professional-quality photos taken inside the Disney theme parks, this PhotoPass Studio is so much fun. Plus, there is no need to worry about the weather or the sun being in your eyes!
When the fall season and the holidays roll around, this is an annual must-do for our family. The seasonal backdrops are precious!
Photo by Dani Meyering
5. Building custom creations at the LEGO Store
The LEGO Store is more than retail space. During special events and seasonal happenings, there are interactive build areas or opportunities to create personalized items. Year-round, there are two special activities you can enjoy anytime.
A custom creation station for kids, where young builders put together their own small race car or vehicle using LEGO bricks, then race them down a short ramp. This station is just outside of the store itself.
Within the store, there is a build-your-own minifigure station. It’s one of the best family-friendly stops at Disney Springs.
Throwback: Revisit what this experience was like when it first opened in 2019!
6. Going bowling
Splitsville Luxury Lanes combines bowling, dining, and a lively atmosphere. Yet many guests never consider it because they assume Disney Springs is only for shopping and restaurants.
It is pricey, though. Then again, we’re not talking about your average neighborhood bowling lanes either. Walk-in bowling pricing at Splitsville Luxury Lanes includes bowling and shoe rental, with lane time based on group size. From Monday through Friday, bowling costs $21 per bowler from opening until 4 p.m. and $26 per bowler from 4 p.m. until close.
On Saturday and Sunday, pricing is $27 per bowler from open to close. Pricing is subject to change during holidays or certain blackout dates.
Throwback: These luxury lanes took over for the Virgin Megastore back in 2012!
7. Personalized gifts
Disney Springs offers more hands-on experiences than many guests realize. As mentioned above, the LEGO Store offers the chance to design custom Minifigures or other build-your-own items.
Crystal Arts by Arribas Brothers is another overlooked stop for customization. The store is known for engraved crystal gifts and personalized keepsakes, and recent offerings have included create-your-own holiday trees and Crystal Wish Keeper experiences where guests choose colorful gems and themed containers to make a one-of-a-kind souvenir.
At Disney’s Days of Christmas, guests can still personalize ornaments with names, dates, or special messages handwritten by artists for a small fee. Names, dates, and other small personalization items are available. This is something I have done many times over the years for a special keepsake at Walt Disney World.
As for other past experiences, Disney Springs has previously featured candle-pouring and art-based customization concepts through rotating third-party tenants. Basin at Disney Springs sometimes has DIY stations, and you can usually customize a bundle of products.
8. Catching live entertainment
Disney Springs regularly features live musicians, DJs, and performers throughout the district, especially in the evenings and on weekends.
Many guests walk right by spontaneous entertainment while rushing to a reservation. Bonus! During Cool Kids’ Summer, May 26 – Sept. 8, there will be extra programming, including hands-on fun for kids.
Photo provided by Walt Disney World Resort
Bonus item: giveaways and promotional pop-ups
Disney Springs is a popular destination for companies to host limited-time pop-up experiences. Usually tied to movie releases or new products, you can sometimes come across free goodies just by hanging out at Disney Springs and keeping an eye out.
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